How to Dry Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have a distinctive flavour that is much richer than that of many other mushroom varieties. Additionally, they can strengthen your immune system and provide a high dose of antioxidants, according to the World's Healthiest Foods at whfoods.com. You can store fresh shiitake mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you wish to store them for longer, however, you can dry them and store them indefinitely in an airtight container.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Knife (optional)

Dehydrator (optional)

Baking tray (optional)

Airtight container

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Instructions

1

Rinse your shiitake mushrooms thoroughly in cool running water to remove any grit, insects or other contaminants.

2

Slice your shiitake mushrooms into thin strips, if desired. This is not necessary, but will make your shiitake mushrooms dry faster and may be easier to use in some recipes.

3

Place your shiitake mushrooms into your dehydrator and run it according to the dehydrator's instructions. Dehydrate your mushrooms until they are light and fairly dry, but still slightly flexible rather than brittle or crisp. Alternately, spread your shiitake mushrooms onto a baking tray and place them in your oven. Turn the oven's heat on as low as possible (generally 93.3 degrees Celsius) and open the oven door. Leave the baking tray in the warm, open oven until the shiitake mushrooms are dried.

4

Place the dried mushrooms into an airtight container and store them out of direct sunlight.